Demon

In the universe of Devil May Cry, the two dominant species are humans and demons. Demons are the primary lifeforms of the Demon World, although their exact nature is unclear. Demons have a range of shapes and sizes, and usually follow a power-based hierarchy.

Powers & Abilities
Demons are naturally superior to humans in terms of their prowess. In addition, their supernature enables them to perform supernatural feats. The powers of demons are greatly varied. Demons usually seems to possess powers that are based on a certain mystical element, such as fire or lightning. After a higher demon is killed, the slayer can sometimes absorb that demon's essence and manifest their power as a weapon known as a "Devil Arm". Though demons are more powerful than any human, that does not prevent humans from being able to fight and even kill a demon (though humans with enough skills to do so seem to be very rare and have spent much of their life training to do so). Dante has stated that when a demon becomes selfless or loving, they will achieve the full extent of their power and that demons who are menevolent are weaker.

Overview
Demons are generally very selfish, greedy, melevolent to both humans and sometimes themselves, cruel, and often seek to increase their own power, influence, and authority. Because of their melevolent acts, most demons seen don't have the full extent of their abilities and are therefore in a constant state of power hunger. Very rarely do demons ever show remorse or pity, particularly when regarding humans. They appear to dislike humans greatly and enjoy displaying their superiority over them. Their are some vampiric demons who consume human blood for nourishment, the blood of humans is described by such demon as "morbid tasting". However, there are some cases where even the most melevolent of them will show regret or remorse, especially if a close friend or relative or theirs is slain. Regardless of their menevolent ways, they are just as much capable of love, compassion, heroism, carefulness, benevolence towards both humans and themselves, and rightousness as humans are; and by doing so, they achieve the full extent of their Hellish power.

Demons and Humans
Demons view themselves as superior to humans, and as such wish to rule the human world as well as their own. It is implied that before Sparda's uprising, the demons held dominion over the human world and there were many gates and portals between the two realms; ever since Sparda sealed off the demon world from the human world, demons have been attempting to regain dominion over the humans. Although demons are generally considered evil, there are several humans that Dante has said are even worse.

It is hinted that demons have disguised themselves as humans and gained an incredible amount of influence in the criminal underworld, or even the wealthy upper-class. However, there are also demons who deny their heritage and go to the human world in peace.